The mission of Adaptive Living Inc. (ALI) is to provide affordable housing for individuals with disabilities, promote independence, teach independent living skills, encourage social engagement and community participation, and facilitate the development of a healthy lifestyle through good nutrition and participation in athletic and exercise programs.

What kinds of programs and services do you provide?

Adaptive Living Inc. (ALI) is a nonprofit organization that was created more than 25 years ago for adults who have cognitive, developmental and/or physical disabilities. Currently ALI supports nine adults who live in three Columbia townhouses and who are either working or in day programs. It provides room and board, food, transportation to appointments and social and recreational activities, in-house or drop-in supervision, and oversight by a registered nurse and social worker. Individualized supervision is provided to help residents learn appropriate interpersonal and independent living skills. Residents are encouraged to make their own decisions and choices and to pursue friendships and activities to improve the quality of their lives.

How many volunteers are part of your organization, and what types of roles do they play?

We have an all-volunteer board of directors with 12 members. The board is the management team that handles the finances, fundraising, home inspections and welfare of the residents, monitors the performance of the resident advisers (counselors), and interacts with outside agencies. This body makes immediate decisions to effect change in a timely manner through interventions by our resident advisers in collaboration with our social worker and registered nurse.

Is there a cost to those who use your services?

ALI is licensed by Maryland’s Department of Human Resources, which provides the services of a social worker and registered nurse. DHR sets the fees and partially reimburses them based on the residents’ incomes. The remainder of the budget is supported by a Community Service Partnership grant from Howard County’s Department of Citizen Services, a grant from the Community Foundation of Howard County, HUD, private donations and semiannual fundraising events.

Any important dates or events coming up?

Our 12th-annual golf tournament will be held at Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club on Oct. 7 at 9 a.m. This is our major fundraiser for the year. For more information, contact Jimmy Schenk at jimmy@jeschenk.com. Donations to our organization may be sent to: ALI, 11089 Swansfield Road, Columbia, MD 21044.

What is the satisfaction you and your team gain from your role in this organization?

The ALI team takes pride in the ability of its residents to develop independent living skills, participate in community life, pursue their interests, maintain employment or participate in a day program, and to become contributing members of society.